The most common hazard in the construction site is that open sides of buildings or structures are not sufficiently barricaded, if at all. This could potentially lead to fatalities. Even if it does not result in fatality, it will result in serious injury.
Worker at top level - no edge barricade; the worker was not even wearing safety harness.
Open sides during formwork erection
2. Unsafe work platform
It is very common to see workers using single metal deck as their work platform, especially during the erection of formwork. A single metal deck may not be strong enough to take the weight of the worker and may cave in. It is also possible that the worker may lose balance and fall down.
Makeshift work platform
3. Floor openings not properly covered
Another common hazard in construction sites is that the floor openings are not properly covered. Sometimes, a piece of plywood is placed over the opening, but it is not secured. It thus becomes easily dislocated and the floor opening becomes exposed. At other times, flimsy piece of plywood is used, which can give way under the weight of a person.
It is also common that openings for pipes are not covered - the thinking is that it is too small for someone to fall through. However, it must be remembered that the second biggest killer in worksites is being hit by falling object.
Can you see the floor opening? Just waiting for someone to step on it...
Opening on the floor for pipes, but anything could drop through them.
4. Protruding objects on the floor
It is very common to find nails and rebars protruding from the floor. These pose tripping hazards and can have serious consequences.
One worker tripped and fell on the protruding rebar, missed the spine by a mere few centimetres. (See the blood in the drain)
